Mediterranean evergreen oak with small holly-like leaves, dense rounded canopy, and exceptionally dense durable timber once used for cartwheels, charcoal, and pier piling. Excellent coastal evergreen windbreak.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 7–10 | −17.8 °C to 4.4 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H4 | −10 °C to −5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 8–9 | −7 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 3–6 | −5 °C to 15 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Extremely dense timber — historically used for cartwheels, hardwood charcoal, and oak piling driven into salt water (Venetian foundations sit on holm-oak piles)
- Distinct from English oak (Q. robur, already in the database) — holm oak is evergreen, drought-tolerant, and suited to Mediterranean and warm-temperate climates
- Excellent coastal and inland windbreak — dense evergreen canopy and tolerance of salt-laden wind
- Slow growing but very long lived — multi-century specimens common in Mediterranean parklands
Pet caution: Holm oak (Holly oak) is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
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Related plants
Cross-check Holm oak (Holly oak) against your zones